Dear Hoda,

DORMOSEDAN (DETOMIDINE HYDROCHLORIDE) is a potent alpha 2 adrenoceptor agonist that provides non-narcotic sedation and analgesia that can be used safely in horses for a variety of minor surgical and diagnostic procedures. Due to its sever side effects it was approved only for large animals (horses) via the IV route. 

Side Effects

Horses treated with Dormosedan® exhibit hypertension. Bradycardia routinely occurs 1 minute after injection. The relationship between hypertension and bradycardia is consistent with an adaptive baroreceptor response to the increased pressure and inconsistent with a primary drug-induced bradycardia. Piloerection, sweating, salivation, and slight muscle tremors are frequently seen after administration. Partial transient penis prolapse may be seen. Partial AV and SA blocks may occur with decreased heart and respiratory rates. Urination typically occurs during recovery at about 45-60 minutes posttreatment, depending on dosage. Incoordination or staggering is usually seen only during the first 3-5 minutes after injection, until animals have secured a firm footing.Because of continued lowering of the head during sedation, mucus discharges from the nose and, occasionally, edema of the head and face may be seen. Holding the head in a slightly elevated position generally prevents these effects.

However, a clinical study on the use of Dormosedan for dogs via OTM was published in 2013 and demonstrated that OTM detomidine gel was safely administered to 6 dogs at a dose of 0.35 mg/m2 and resulted in measurable sedation, anxiolysis, and improved EH in all subjects. Although further evaluation is warranted for use in client-owned dogs, OTM detomidine gel offers a novel sedative and anxiolytic option to facilitate handling of canine subjects.

The use of oral transmucosal detomidine hydrochloride gel to facilitate handling in dogs

Marie J. Hopfensperger1, Kristen M. Messenger, Mark G. Papich, Barbara L. Sherman

Abstract

Safe and humane handling in the veterinary clinic can be challenging when dealing with fearful or anxious dogs. Historically, alpha-2 adrenergic agonists have been used via parenteral routes to facilitate handling of difficult canine subjects. Detomidine hydrochloride is an alpha-2 agonist sedative commercially available in an oral transmucosal (OTM) formulation (Dormosedan Gel; Pfizer Animal Health, Madison, NJ) approved for sedation and restraint in horses. The usefulness of this detomidine formulation has not been previously reported in dogs. This study evaluated the behavioral and physiological effects of OTM detomidine gel administration in dogs to assess its efficacy and safety for facilitation of handling canine subjects. Six healthy institution-owned adult dogs were administered detomidine gel at a dose of 0.35 mg/m2 via OTM route. Behavioral and physiological assessments were performed pretreatment and repeated every 15–30 minutes for 5 hours after administration. Behavioral assessments included global sedation (GS), composite sedation (CS), global anxiolysis (GA), and ease of handling (EH) scores. Physiological assessments included heart rate and rhythm, respiratory rate, mucous membrane color, indirect blood pressure, rectal temperature, oxygen saturation, and capillary refill time. Posttreatment GS, CS, GA, and EH scores were improved for all 6 subjects as compared with pretreatment. For 4 of 6 dogs, maximal GS scores occurred at 45 minutes posttreatment, and duration of maximal GS scores was 30 minutes. Five of 6 dogs achieved adequate GS scores. EH scores were significantly higher during time points of adequate GS scores as compared with time points when adequate GS scores were not achieved. The physiological measures revealed transient bradycardia in 5 of 6 dogs and intermittent second-degree atrioventricular block in 1 dog. No other significant adverse events were noted, and all dogs recovered uneventfully. OTM detomidine gel was safely administered to 6 dogs at a dose of 0.35 mg/m2 and resulted in measurable sedation, anxiolysis, and improved EH in all subjects. Although further evaluation is warranted for use in client-owned dogs, OTM detomidine gel offers a novel sedative and anxiolytic option to facilitate handling of canine subjects.

For more on this study, please use the following link:

http://www.journalvetbehavior.com/article/S1558-7878(12)00194-3/abstract

Hoping this will be helpful,

Rafik